Metra Releases Draft Network Plan for Public Comment
The draft outlines service expansion and infrastructure investments across Metra's 11 lines in the Chicago region.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Remote Work
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Do you support Metra expanding frequent all-day regional rail service in the Chicago area?
Metra has released a draft Systemwide Network Plan describing service changes and infrastructure investments across its system. The plan outlines two phases of regional rail service, with a public virtual meeting set for Nov. 16 and feedback accepted through Dec. 14.
Why it matters
The plan is a response to Metra's strategic plan, which examined post-COVID ridership patterns and called for a regional rail model. Its proposals would shape how often trains run and how much the system costs to build and operate for riders across the Chicago region.
Metra estimates $2.7 billion in capital costs for Regional Rail 1.0 and an additional $6.4 billion for Regional Rail 2.0, with annual operating costs rising $269 million and $411 million over existing levels, respectively. These figures are draft estimates, and final costs have not been set.
The players
Metra
Metra is the commuter rail agency serving the Chicago region across 11 lines, and it is the body releasing the draft network plan.
Northern Illinois Transit Authority
The Northern Illinois Transit Authority is the regional body that will receive Metra's final draft plan and oversees regional transit coordination in northern Illinois.
The details
The plan describes Regional Rail 1.0, targeting trains every 30 to 60 minutes on most lines, and Regional Rail 2.0, which targets more frequent service with greater capital investment. Nine of Metra's 11 lines operate on track owned or dispatched by freight railroads or shared with Amtrak, which shapes what upgrades are possible.
Timeline
January 2027: Deadline under state law for a regional rail pilot on the Rock Island Line.
Nov. 13: Metra posts the public meeting link at metra.com/SNP.
Nov. 16, 7 p.m.: Virtual public meeting on the draft plan.
Dec. 14: Deadline for public feedback on the draft.
Roadmap
The draft follows the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act, which requires Metra to implement a regional rail pilot on the Rock Island Line by January 2027. It moves Metra toward the regional rail model its strategic plan called for after post-COVID ridership shifts.
Riders could see trains every 30 to 60 minutes on most lines if the Regional Rail 1.0 proposal advances. Residents can submit feedback on the draft through Dec. 14 or attend the Nov. 16 virtual meeting.
The takeaway
Riders who want a say in future service should review the draft and submit comments before Dec. 14. Public input will be considered before the plan goes to the Northern Illinois Transit Authority.
What happens next
Metra will accept public feedback on the draft through Dec. 14 and will then submit the final draft to the Northern Illinois Transit Authority. The Rock Island Line regional rail pilot must be in place by January 2027.
Further reading
For more on how commuting patterns are shifting, explore Remote Work coverage in the Chicago area.
More information
Review the draft and join the virtual meeting through the Metra draft Systemwide Network Plan public meeting link on the Metra website.
Live Poll
Do you support Metra expanding frequent all-day regional rail service in the Chicago area?
